Scientific name: Mukia maderaspatana (L.) M.Roem.
Family: Cucurbitaceae.
Synonym: Cucumis maderaspatanus L.
Bengali/Vernacular name: Agmukhi, Bilari.
Tribal name: Medha tida (Chakma).
English name: Madras pea pumpkin, Rough bryony.
Description of the plant: A climbing herb; stem scandent, much branched, sulcate; tendrils slender, elongate. Leaves ovate to ovate-cordate, angular or 3-5 lobed, minutely denticulate, both surfaces scabrous. Flowers yellow, 1 cm across. Pea-sized fruits are green, turning to orange and then red, as they mature.
Plant parts used: Leaf, root.
Ethnomedicinal uses: Decoction prepared from the leaves of the plant is advised to take for the treatment of hypertension and bronchitis.
A fresh juice is extracted from the roots of the plant is taken four times a day (5 ml amount each time) for seven days to treat dysuria.
Extract prepared from the leaves of the plant is taken to treat cold, cough, and fever.
A paste is made with the leaves of the plant is applied on the affected part of the body to treat burning sensation.
The leaves of the plant are used for the treatment of asthma, dyspepsia, flatulence, constipation, ulcers, neuralgia, vertigo, dysuria, piles, and tuberculosis.
Distribution: This species is found in Chittagong, Bandarban, Chuadanga, Dinajpur, Gazipur, Jessore, Kushtia, Mymensingh, and Rajshahi districts.
Is this plant misidentified? If yes, please tell us….
